Amazon's Category Problem Is GETTING WORSE | Self-Publishing News (March 19, 2026)

Amazon's latest updates are raising concerns for self-published authors, as hundreds of new KDP categories may actually be hurting book discoverability instead of helping it. In this Self-Publishing News update, we break down the growing issue of ghost categories, along with what authors can do to stay visible. We also cover Amazon's push into AI-powered ads, new metadata guidance from Barnes & Noble Press, and a cover design case study from CraveBooks with surprising results. Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link)  Novel Report - https://DaleLinks.com/NovelReport (affiliate link)  Use code GETMYREPORT for $20 off - Amazon Advertising - https://advertising.amazon.com Barnes & Noble Press: 7 Steps to Spring Clean Your Book Metadata! - https://press.barnesandnoble.com/bnpress-blog/spring-clean-your-book-metadata/ CraveBooks - https://DaleLinks.com/CraveBooks (affiliate link)  CraveBooks Marketing Hub (on Discord) - https://discord.gg/AYYbKKWGDJ The Alliance of Independent Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/ALLi (affiliate link)  ALLi: The Indie Author Bookstore - https://bookstore.allianceindependentauthors.org/ My ALLi Author Page - https://bookstore.allianceindependentauthors.org/author/dale-l-roberts Rapid Fire News Flash Writer Beware: Deadline Approaching to File a Claim in the Anthropic Settlement - https://writerbeware.blog/2026/03/13/deadline-approaching-to-file-a-claim-in-the-anthropic-settlement/ Authors Guild: From Manuscript to Marketplace: WE DESERVE TO HEAL - https://authorsguild.org/event/from-manuscript-to-marketplace-we-deserve-to-heal/ Book Brush - https://BookBrush.com Platinum members: Contact Book Brush about the Level Up Your Author Business webinar with Seth Norris & Mel Jolly  Reader Views Book Awards - https://readerviews.com/literaryawards/winners/sponsored/ Outstanding Creator Awards 2025 Clash of Champions - https://www.outstandingcreator.com/winners--2025-clash-of-champions.html  Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp  Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships  Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks  Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts